Alpha Lipoic Acid Helps Heal Wounds

Research shows that alpha lipoic acid can help traumatic wounds faster. In addition, animal studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid could help reduce the cell death following hemorrhagic shock following blood loss. Alpha lipoic acid can also help heal non-healing chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and bed sores. (ii.29, 210)

Combined with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment used to heal chronic wounds. However, some of the side effects of this therapy are the formation of free radicals and an inflammatory immune system response. These side effects can hinder the healing process. Combining alpha lipoic acid with therapy can counteract the side effects and help accelerate wound healing. (ii.55)

A recently published study suggests that the RLA form of alpha lipoic acid may work better than alpha lipoic acid when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. That's because RLA decreased one additional inflammatory marker that alpha lipoic acid didn't. Both increased growth factors necessary for wounds to heal. (ii.211)

Diabetic Wounds

Diabetics have a tendency to heal slowly because diabetes often causes damage to small blood vessels near the skin. Minor cuts and abrasions not only take a long time to resolve, they often turn into chronic, slow-healing skin sores. (ii.212)

According to animal studies, alpha lipoic acid supplements could help diabetics heal faster from minor skin abrasions. Cells may become more sensitive to injury from free radicals when exposed to high blood sugar levels. The antioxidant power of alpha lipoic acid reduces this sensitivity. (ii.212)

Venom from South American rattlesnakes and vipers often causes kidney failure in snakebite victims. Animal studies indicate alpha lipoic acid could help protect kidneys from the toxic effects of venom. However, some researchers suggest statins may be a better choice, at least in the case of viper bites. (ii.213, 215-217)

Uterine Hematomas

Two recently published clinical studies suggest alpha lipoic acid's wound healing abilities may also prevent miscarriages. Alpha lipoic acid helped resorb blood clots (called hematomas) between the membrane surrounding the embryo and placenta. Hematomas can cause abdominal pain and bleeding. They may also be a sign of increased risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery. (ii.218)

Standard conventional treatment for hematomas is vaginal suppositories that contain progesterone. However, results from a recent large clinical trial suggest that progesterone suppository treatment alone is largely ineffective. (ii.218)

In the 2 clinical studies using alpha lipoic acid, those patients who took the antioxidant showed faster healing than those who used standard or no treatment. One study involved oral alpha lipoic acid supplements along with progesterone suppositories. In the second study patients were given either alpha lipoic acid suppositories, progesterone suppositories, or nothing (by their choice). (ii.218)

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